Chicago Fire FC announced on April 16 that it will host St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 16 of the 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, with kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Central Time on Wednesday, April 29 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois. The match will be streamed live on Paramount+.
This fixture is significant as both teams advanced through competitive matches in the previous round and are seeking to progress further in one of U.S. soccer’s oldest tournaments. Tickets for the event will be available to Members starting Friday, April 17 at 10 a.m., and to the general public at noon.
Chicago Fire FC reached this stage after defeating Detroit City FC from the USL Championship with a score of 2-1 at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, Michigan. Forward Jason Shokalook scored twice within two minutes during his first start for Chicago, helping secure back-to-back victories over Detroit City FC in consecutive years during this competition’s Round of 32.
St. Louis CITY SC earned its place by beating FC Tulsa (USL Championship) with a convincing four-goal win at Energizer Park in St. Louis, aided by goals from Marcel Hartel, Jeong Sang-Bin, Mykhi Joyner and Tomás Ostrák as well as an assist from goalkeeper Roman Bürki.
According to the official website, Chicago Fire FC competes professionally within Major League Soccer conferences and maintains a roster featuring professional athletes while also fostering soccer growth across the Midwest through community initiatives and youth development programs. The club utilizes Soldier Field for matches and events and has incorporated a crest and colors inspired by the Great Chicago Fire. The team has previously won multiple U.S. Open Cups as well as an MLS Cup, tying them for most Open Cup titles among Major League Soccer teams. Chicago also holds records for most wins and semifinal appearances by an MLS team.
The full schedule for this round includes other notable matchups such as Charlotte FC versus Atlanta United FC, San Jose Earthquakes against Minnesota United FC on Tuesday, April 28; followed by Red Bull New York facing New York City FC; New England Revolution meeting Orlando City SC; Columbus Crew taking on One Knoxville SC; Houston Dynamo playing Louisville City FC; Colorado Rapids up against Colorado Springs Switchbacks—all slated for Wednesday alongside Chicago’s contest.
